Should You Be Dusting Your Houseplants?

Like other living things, houseplants need care and maintenance to remain healthy. One way of taking care of houseplants is by dusting their leaves. Most of us know that dust inside the home should be cleaned up regularly. In addition, leaving dust to accumulate on your houseplants leads to bigger problems. Here are some reasons why you should dust houseplants in your Denham Springs home.

Dust Can Make You and Your Plants Sick

Accumulation of dust is more than just a nuisance. Studies have shown that a number of health problems like asthma and allergies are worsened by the harmful particles in the dust. If dust is that bad for you, imagine the effect it’s having on your houseplants. Photosynthesis, which is how plants make their own food, is affected when dust-coated leaves cannot get enough light.It also limits the amount of oxygen your houseplants give off, leading to dirtier indoor air. Dusting your houseplants has benefits for both you and your greenery.

Dust Can Hide Bigger Problems

Dusty plants can become an eyesore similar to dusty furniture, baseboards, and windowsills. It can make your house look dirty and unkempt. Dust also hides bigger issues, such as mold and disease. Regularly dusting your plants give you the opportunity to check for any developing concerns. If you stop mildew or plant diseases just as they are starting to develop, you can keep your plants healthier.

Dust Invites In Pests

Neglected houseplants are like an invitation to bugs and other pests. If you haven’t dusted your plants for some time, you might discover that unwanted pests have taken them over. Dust your plants to help keep pests away and to check for any signs of infestation. Well-cared plants rarely develop serious pest problems.

When you notice that your houseplants need dusting, cleaning them is a simple task. Your first step is to use a dusting wand or microfiber cloth to gently wipe the dust off of each leaf for most plants. Use a small paintbrush to dust plants with small or delicate leaves.

Next, wipe your houseplant’s stems and leaves with a soft cloth dipped in tepid water. You can spray the leaves of your large plants in your kitchen sink. Keep in mind that houseplants can be damaged when you use water that is either too hot or too cold. After rinsing and wiping down each leaf and the pot, let your plant air dry completely before returning it to its place.

Houseplant maintenance is easy, but it needs to be done periodically if you want your plants to stay green and healthy. Would you like to learn more about this or other home maintenance tips? Real Property Management Baton Rouge can help! Contact us today online or call us at 225-389-6860.